Food is My Opiate || Antonio

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 713

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Decided against making Al order a burger, ff.

Food.

Food was absolutely glorious and one of the few things that Alfred thought he could never live without. Both literally and figuratively.

It was also the only thing that Alfred would be willing to leave his house for these days. Except for his cons, but that was just so he could earn money to buy food. And pay rent and everything, but food generally seemed to come first in Alfred's mind.

It was with this sort of one-track mind that Alfred headed to one of his favorite restaurants in the shopping district. It was sometimes a little more expensive than his other choices, but Alfred was in a good mood and he was hungry for some good food. It served a variety of food, though it seemed to concentrate on American cuisine, which Alfred liked. He enjoyed Russian food but it was time for a break.

The waitress was cheerful as she came up to him and Alfred felt cheerful as well as he ordered his Coke. Usually after Christmas, winter weighed down on him dismally, but today was just a good day. The sort of day that made Alfred feel glad to be alive and want to go talk to a friend or two.

...If he really had friends he could talk to.

Oh, that was a depressing thought. Alfred frowned a little. Alfred didn't exactly have friends he could just visit on a whim. No, every visit for him had to be scheduled ahead of time, planned, laid out, and arranged. For a second, Alfred wondered if he should get out more, make more friends. But with his job, that wasn't exactly something Alfred wanted to do or advertise. The only people Alfred had to talk to were his sources or the acquaintances he'd made on the streets. Even on the streets, Alfred had been a bit of a loner, angry and driven by guilt. They probably wouldn't be happy either, seeing him like this, with a full stomach and eating at a restaurant...

"Hello, sir, may I take your order?" The waitress was back, having placed his Coke in front of him while Alfred had been lost in thought. He hadn't even really glanced at the menu, but Alfred already knew what he was planning to order. He'd been tempted by the bacon cheeseburger but Alfred figured that he'd been eating way too many burgers and it was time for him to try something else.

"Yeah, I'll have the sirloin steak if you don't mind. Medium rare." The waitress nodded, scribbling something down. "Anything else for you?"

Alfred's stomach growled in response. Ah, he had plenty of money to spare. Besides, Alfred did sometimes eat unusually much...

"I'll have the waffle fries and the cheese sticks if that's alright." The girl nodded before taking his menu and leaving Alfred with his drink.

As Alfred lifted the Coke from the napkin that had been daintily put underneath it, he saw a number. Who had been rude enough to write their number on a brand new napkin? Alfred frowned as he drank his Coke. Better replace that with a different napkin.

Alfred leaned back, enjoying the restaurant. The lunch rush was starting to file in and it would get a bit noisy, not that Alfred minded too much. He was just satisfied, being here right now.

A few minutes later, his fries and cheese sticks appeared. Alfred munched on them thoughtfully, taking his time as he enjoyed the melted cheese and the familiar taste of ketchup. Dang, these were good. Within seconds, they were gone.

Just as Alfred was wondering when his main course would come (he knew he ate fast, but he was fairly certain that it was high time it arrived), it was placed before him. Already, Alfred was taking out his fork and knife (no one needed them for fries or cheese-sticks) when he stopped. This was most certainly not his order.

"Hey," he called towards his waitress, who turned a little pink as she turned around. "I'm sorry, I don't think this is my order." He gave her an apologetic smile, feeling a little sorry for her. She must've been around Alfred's age and if Alfred had been a server, he probably wouldn't made the same mistake.

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

Since he planned to spend most of the day out exploring and beginning his usual task of locating what would be his favorite spots, whether that be for food, shopping, or hanging out, Antonio figured he should eat out first and have himself a big meal in preparation for his usual wandering. And really, American food could be quite filling. Not to mention it had been a fair while since he’d had any. Probably since he’d gone to America for two weeks, now that he thought about it. That had mostly consisted of discovering hotdog stands and just how many toppings could be put on those odd creations.

After ordering his chicken-fried steak and getting his water, Antonio waited for the arrival of his order while taking in his surroundings. For one of his first meals out in the city it really wasn’t half bad. Despite his upbringing he didn’t always much like especially fancy places for dining or otherwise. Something much more comfortable and homey was to his liking. After all, he already didn’t have the appearance of one that came from the upper-class, so why seek it out when he was fine without it?

Besides, should one decide to dine at a high-end restaurant it is much harder to find friends when they are alone. As he was new to the city Antonio hadn’t even made much of an acquaintance yet, much less a friend to eat with. He was fine with eating on his own should he need to, but what fun was that? And really how do you begin conversation or fall into a friendly situation at a place where tables are spread out and people are far too busy with their own parties or the exquisite food. Diner-like or less formal settings gave him much better opportunities to find friends, whether that be with waitresses or anyone else.

"Hey," someone said nearby, pulling Antonio back to the present. "I'm sorry, I don't think this is my order." It seemed as if the guy in the table ahead of him had gotten something different than he’d ordered. Out of curiosity, Antonio straightened a little in his chair before leaning in and craning his neck to see. Ah, yeah, that looked a lot like the chicken-fried steak he’d ordered. Crispy brown fried slab with creamy gravy dotted with pepper. Even his side of fries. Something so common could’ve just as easily been anyone else too, but he felt bad for the girl thinking she’d made such a mistake.

He rose his hand, smiling in good nature, “you only got it one table off, that’s not too bad. It looks like that’s my order.” Then he laughed, “I’d do much worse in your kind of job, believe me.”

Standing, he walked over and gave the blond man a short wave, “if you don’t mind, it’s not like you’ve taken a bite yet so I can just go ahead and take it.”

Words: 509

Tags:

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 500

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes:

As soon as Alfred had said it, the waitress immediately turned red and began muttering apologies. A warm voice piped up. "You only got it one table off, that's not too bad. It looks like my order." There was a short bit of laughter as Alfred looked over to see who was talking.

A handsome man, several years older than Alfred. His perfectly tanned skin was certainly different from the pale skin that most Russians had. For a moment, Alfred wondered if he'd been on a tan bed but his instincts told him otherwise. This man just seemed honest and genuine at his core.

There was a certain way this man held himself that just suggested a friendly person, including the way he'd addressed the waitress. He seemed to be by himself as well, which Alfred found odd. Surely someone like him would have plenty of friends to hang around. Perhaps they just weren't here yet?

It occurred to Alfred that maybe, if he really didn't have company and wasn't waiting for anyone, they could talk. He really was craving a bit of conversation, to be honest. And this man seemed as good as any to talk with.

Standing, the man walked over, giving Alfred a friendly wave that only reinforced Alfred's opinion of him. "If you don't mind, it's not like you've taken a bite yet, so I can just go ahead and take it."

Alfred grinned, leaning back a little and returning the wave. "I don't mind at all! Say..." the words were coming out of Alfred's mouth before he realized it, "do you want to just sit here and eat it? Neither of us seem to be with anyone else and I figure we could both use some company. Unless you're waiting for someone, of course."

...Gosh, was he really that desperate for someone to talk to that he'd ask a stranger if they'd like to sit together? Alfred wanted to slap himself now. He'd been a bit of an idiot when he even came up with the idea. It was like back in high school when the awkward newbie had to go around and find out where they could sit and find friends. Alfred usually was alright being alone, but recently he had sort of missed having someone there for him. A little conversation with a stranger would help cheer him up a little, especially in the middle of winter.

"I'm sorry, it's sort of rude of me to suddenly ask you all that and not even introduce myself." Alfred gave a small laugh. "I'm Alfred Jones. And you?"

He really did hope the man wasn't waiting for anyone. The sunny personality that he seemed to exude made Alfred feel good inside. He really was desperate for some conversation and he had a feeling that if this man agreed to Alfred's proposition, it would certainly fill the bill. If he didn't...well, Al would likely look very awkward but hey. It would've been worth a try.

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

A thankful smile is on Antonio’s face when the man say that it was fine, instantly taking a liking to him. Anyone this friendly couldn’t be that bad-and he had a nice look to him. Perhaps a bit young, but Antonio definitely wouldn’t hold that against him. He had a baby face himself to go along with his childish personality. And in the blond grinning and asking him to sit, there was a fine show of it.

Antonio had to blink shortly at the continued speaking from this-Alfred character. Apologizing for his invitation and introducing himself just after smiling so confidently. Honestly it made Toni have to laugh, a loud clear sound. He’d felt a sort of elation about the suggestion, having been considering something along those lines himself, and here Alfred was beating him to it. Then apologizing as if it was rude! As first impressions go, it wasn’t bad at all. Friendly and open enough to ask a complete stranger to sit with him when he was alone at a restaurant, but kind enough to think he may simply be waiting on others and introducing himself with an apology for forwardness. Antonio didn’t think even he would have been that polite in that situation. He would’ve just said to sit with him and thought it was fine!

Once he’d gotten his laughter to pass, Antonio shook his head and took his seat across from him. “No, no, it’s not rude at all! I was just thinking it’s a shame to eat alone. I’m glad you asked and I have someone to sit with! Or else I might have myself,” he laughs again, easy. Like that, wearing a smile he turns to the waitress. “I guess I’ll be sitting here now, so it’s okay. Just means mine came out first!” He laughed. The poor girl shouldn’t feel bad for a small slipup like that, and he could easily laugh off anything like this.

Once she’d left Antonio turned back to Alfred and nodded. “Antonio Carriedo. Toni works just as well, though.” It may be optimistic, or even just stupid of him, to be so excited to talk to someone like this in the city and think of him being a perspective friend, but that was Antonio’s nature. And thus far he didn’t think he’d mind having Alfred for a friend! His glasses didn’t give the usual overbearingly intelligent look they often could to people, and perhaps that was because of his young face and blond hair. They did say blond hair made one think of innocence and youth after all.

“I just came here about a week ago, so I don’t really have anyone I would be meeting or eating with yet.” Maybe for a meeting, but he definitely wouldn’t come to a restaurant such as this with business partners. If his family ever heard of that, wow.

Words: 500

Tags:

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 512

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes:

The man seemed to laugh a lot, which made Alfred feel considerably better about the entire situation. It wasn't a mean laugh either, no, it was much more cheerful. Automatically, Alfred felt good inside.

Without saying a word, the man sat down on the seat across from Alfred. A wide smile crossed Alfred's face, having his invitation so clearly accepted.

"No, no, it's not rude at all! I was just thinking it's a shame to eat alone. I'm glad you asked and I have someone to sit with! Or else I might have myself." There was that laughter again. Then the man turned towards the waiter, politely telling her of the change before laughing again.

Gosh, this man laughed a lot. He laughed a lot and Alfred couldn't help but like it.

"Antonio Carriedo," the man introduced, "Toni works just as well though." There was an excited, almost childish tone in Antonio's voice. Now that he was sitting directly across from him, Alfred fully took in the man's appearance. His hair was rather messy, sort've like Alfred's when he didn't bother to smooth it down for a con. He also had a pair of bright green eyes that seemed like they would be eternally happy. At any rate, he looked like he'd be someone fun to talk to. Alfred needed some company after all.

"I just came here about a week ago, so I don't really have anyone I would be meeting or eating with yet," Antonio explained easily. He'd recently moved here? Alfred wondered why. Most people who moved to Archadia who weren't Russian (Alfred was making assumptions, but he was pretty sure he was correct) had a reason.

"Nice," Alfred said, smiling. "I've been here for, eh, about a year officially, though I've been around for a little longer than that." Bit of a lie, but mostly the truth. "So, yeah, I'm fairly new to the area myself. Where are you from?" Alfred asked curiously. "You don't seem like you grew up around here.

"Tell me a little more about yourself," Alfred said. "What do you do for a job?" Genuine curiosity filled him for once and he ate his last waffle fry as he awaited an answer.

Just then, the waitress returned with his dish. Alfred grinned. "Gosh, I'm starving!" he exclaimed as he took his fork and knife out. The steak looked gorgeous, sitting in front of him, and the heavenly fragrance seemed to overwhelm him. He began slicing into it eagerly.

"You should eat too, you know," Alfred said, looking at Antonio. "Food's one of the best things and probably the only thing I'm willing to step out into the cold for." He laughed a little. "I love food of all sorts. American, Japanese, Chinese...gosh, Chinese food's great. Mexican's pretty awesome as well." Alfred wasn't completely sure why he was rambling. Maybe it was just a desperation for conversation. Other than his cons, Alfred had been inclined to stay indoors for the most part and that meant he couldn't even call on Francis if he wanted to.

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

A year, perhaps a bit more than that, was new to the area? Antonio had to keep himself from laughing at that as well. Travelling as much as he had over time, spending a whole year in one place seemed like setting down roots, even if they were thin ones. Surely after a year one could feel at least a little comfortable in an environment. Man, if he’d spent a year in one place, like he had growing up? He was pretty sure he would have every shop and food establishment visited, reviewed, and cataloged in his head. Oblivious and dumb as he may seem, the man had a fair amount of memory for places of interest. Especially when they involved food.

Food… yes, food! Just as he’d thought that amidst the beginning of Alfred’s question the other had brought his attention to the matter. Nodding in a small smile and snort at himself, Antonio began his own work at cutting his meal. While doing so, he responded bit by bit. “I’m from Spain, so maybe not quite around here, haha.” After all, maybe some people in bordering countries still appeared fairly local. But… Antonio was a good distance of a transplant.

“I have moved around a lot, though. I work representing a company in wine and food. So you know, always have to try and find new markets.” Antonio speaks, always conversational and friendly. It occurred to him, though, that apart from short chats with shop owners and clerks this was the first casual conversation he’d had in a while. Where he didn’t have to at least partly consider how he sounded, if he was pitching the idea properly or using the correct jargon for whatever group he was in. But here, there wasn’t that added second of thought. He thought he could attribute part of that to the open, albeit sort of fast, way Alfred was speaking to him. Not so slow and calculated, or questioning in a way to access value.

Antonio brought a piece of the cut chicken fried steak, laden with some gravy of course, to his mouth for the first bite. There’d been the stereotypical opinions and stories he’d heard everywhere about American food right up until his finally visiting the country. Americans usually just took foods from other countries and made it greasy and fattening. What they did make themselves was, well, greasy and fattening. Not something that could be tolerated by European stomachs. Maybe Antonio’s stomach wasn’t quite as refined, he had eaten a lot of different cuisines in his time, but he couldn’t say it deserved such criticism. Every type of food had its pros as well as its cons.

And it looked as if Alfred agreed with him. He knew there was some kind of kindred spirit in there. “I’ve been to so many countries and regions, and the food? Always one of the first things you should try when you go somewhere new.” He smiled.

Words: 509

Tags:

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 540

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes:

"I'm from Spain, so maybe not quite around here." Antonio laughed a little. Alfred didn't know much about Spain. Spanish cuisine...nope, not much about that either. All he really knew was Mexican food and Alfred had to admit that most of his "Mexican food" was really Americanized Mexican dishes.

Alfred gave a low whistle. "Spain, huh. Yeah, not quite around here." He chuckled lightly.

"I have moved around quite a lot, though. I work representing a company in wine and food. So you know, always have to try and find new markets." Antonio remarked. Alfred nodded in understanding as he drank his Coke.

A marketing businessman. A salesman, essentially. Sort of similar to what Alfred did in a way, except much classier and higher up. Oh, and legal. Alfred smiled a little behind his drink.

He wondered what Antonio was doing in Archadia and if he was planning to stay. Alfred hoped so. Antonio seemed like a good guy, someone that you could easily trust. Even Alfred would want to buy something from this guy, and he doubted that Antonio was trying right now. Also, just as important, Antonio seemed like the sort of guy that Alfred could invite out for a drink or two from time to time without having to worry too much about...well, everything. Of course, Alfred always had to watch his words, but maybe he could afford to ease up a little. He cut himself another piece of steak and popped it into his mouth, savoring the taste and chewing slowly.

"I've been to so many countries and regions, and the food? Always one of the first things you should try when you go somewhere new." There was a warm smile on Antonio's face that Alfred easily matched.

"I wish I could travel," Alfred said, leaning back. "Pretty much stuck here for a while though, not that I mind." He chuckled a little. Bit of an understatement. "I did for a while when I was younger, but that was a while ago. And there was so much moving around that I didn't have much time to appreciate everywhere we went."

That sounded like a very nice summary of the few years that Alfred had been out chasing after mutants and sending them to prison. He sipped his Coke.

"How long are you going to be around, Antonio?" Alfred asked out of curiosity. "Are you planning to stay long?" Most businessmen liked him didn't.

...Speaking of businessmen, why was Antonio even at this restaurant in the first place? Alfred figured that someone who was probably decently high up in his profession would go somewhere fancier. This was more of a place for families or people like Alfred who just craved American food from time to time.

Alfred was curious about Antonio, but it was a different curiosity then that of which he was used to. That was usually research and it had become such a dull notion that Alfred rarely took pleasure in it anymore. To actually feel curious about someone just for the sake of feeling curious...well, it'd been a while since Alfred had last felt that towards someone. He actually liked the feeling. It reminded him of normalcy, which Alfred could use.

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

With the returned chuckle Antonio settled that much more. It wasn’t to say that he had been tense or uncomfortable with a stranger prior to that moment, he hadn’t been, but talking with someone willing to be that casual always added to the experience. Made it more easy and enjoyable in that regard. It honestly made him wonder a bit about what Alfred did himself. No doubt something that involved people as well.

From how he understood of how Alfred responded to the traveling remark, Antonio gathered that he had moved around for his job as well. Although when he said younger it could just as easily mean his family moved around during his childhood, especially with that tacked on ‘we’ – but that was a bit familiar to ask about at this stage. Over the years Antonio had learned at least a few lessons about social interaction, if only from the few punches and angry shouts he’d gotten at bars when he’d become too curious for his own good. What better way was there to learn about the world and people, to make friends, than to ask a lot of questions so as to get to know them? Well, as he’d slowly pieced together, there were certain ways to ask his questions and in certain situations. Even then, though, at the first chance he got he may pry a little too much for someone’s comfort simply out of innocent curiosity.

He smiled, “If you’ve been here for a while though, at least you can enjoy this city, right? I’m sure there’s interesting places in the area too. Ha – I’m sure once I’m settled I’m going to start working my way out.” Even if it was a bit of a walk, drive, or ride, Antonio was always willing to go a little out of his way for something. He’d been known to go three towns over just for bread, simply because it was that amazing. You can never pass up a good park either, even if it took you an hour to get somewhere you only planned to sit around and walk through.

A nod to the next questions. If all worked out well. “I’m looking for a place to rent for at least a year, so I hope I’ll be staying here for a while or else I’d be in a bit of a bind.” On one occasion he had had to leave a lease early – course those were under a certain set of circumstances. He hoped that situation didn’t repeat itself here. He’d matured, after all! … However much Antonio Carriedo can mature, anyway.

“What do you do that you’ve been here for a while?” He posed. If he moved for work he could have just as easily been some sort of salesman or the like, similar to Antonio, which wouldn’t be all that surprising.

Words: 495

Tags:

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 510

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes:

"If you've been here for a while though, at least you can enjoy the city, right? I'm sure there's interesting places in the area too. Ha – I'm sure once I'm settled I'm going to start working my way out."

Alfred listened closely as he cut another piece of steak before answering. "That sounds great. I can't afford to get out much right now...work's sorta been busy these past few months." Alfred's work could've been as light as he liked, but that would have been no fun at all. He was just starting to realize that he'd spent so much time focused on planning his next con that he'd completely forgotten to explore the city. He knew every secret nook and cranny of it from his homeless days, but the shops? The fields and pastures? The pretty places? Alfred had never stopped to look at them. Maybe he should. He'd never found a reason to though. Maybe...Antonio was new, wasn't he? Maybe Alfred could tag along. Explore the city himself.

"I'm looking for a place to rent for at least a year, so I hope I'll be staying here for a while or else I'd be in a bit of a bind." Alfred could understand that, he supposed. It would be a bit of a mess, having to tell your landlord that you were leaving, that you'd be gone. Alfred doubted he'd ever have to face an angry landlord if he needed to ditch. He'd be gone the next day without a trace.

"What do you do that you've been here a while?" Antonio asked.

...That was a good question. Alfred drummed his fingers against the table. He spent so much time planning his cons that he'd been to a lot of places in the city but never grown close to any. Alfred thought for a moment before answering.

"Well, personally I like to hang around the park," Alfred said, popping a piece of steak in his mouth. "It's a lovely park, really, and there are some great restaurants on the side. It's surprising, the people you meet there." Like businessmen that Alfred could scam. "There's this shopping district, which is pretty nice. Some of the shops are a little questionable, but it's certainly worth taking a peek at. Hmm, what else?

"There's the church," Alfred remarked. "I'm not particularly religious, but if you are that's probably where you'll head. Then there's the forest, which very few people ever venture into. There's also the port, but that's mostly a lot of shipping and loading. Not that much fun to be there, to be honest, but again, who knows? There are plenty of interesting people to meet and to be seen."

Alfred gave Antonio a grin. "To be honest, I haven't properly explored parts of the city properly myself. What do you say that when we're done, we go explore? There's a nice dessert shop a little aways from here. It would certainly be fun to go pop in, grab something sweet, and then go around and see what's happening."

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

It was unfortunate that Alfred hadn’t been able to be out much due to his job, but Antonio supposed that did mean work was going well. One could be considered lucky to have work in the first place, then to have enough money to eat out occasionally on the pay received therein. It may not have been much coming from someone as jovial as Antonio, but he also believed that occasional fun and time to de-stress was necessary for your projects t go well. If one was too tense and harried from constant toil then their performance would begin to suffer. And then would good would they be?

As Alfred spoke more at length about the few places he did frequent Antonio listened attentively, eating as he watched him speak and nodded along. The park and church both piqued his interest, for different although faintly similar reasons. Parks were wonderful places with greenery and nature, a sort of escape from the fuss and the metal and concrete of the city. A good park was anyway. And if it was a good one then it could easily act as a nice place to go to and sit. To watch, to think.

Churches functioned in the same way, to Antonio at least, but with a tone to it that wasn’t analogous to that of a park. A church was the house of God, a place of silence and reflection. Not the life of a park – but still certainly holding its own kind of beauty and peaceful mood. A part of him wondered at what its construction would be like as well. As they were in Russia it wouldn’t be amiss to assume it would be Russian orthodox. The architecture of a Russian church, often dominated by domes and smaller cupolas, decorated with golden crosses and beautiful artwork within, could be some of the most beautiful. Already his mind was working out when he would be able to visit, no question of if, only a matter of when.

Antonio was thankful for his meeting Alfred then. Not only was it pleasant to have someone to eat with but the conversation was both enjoyable and informative. Even if Alfred didn’t know much about the area he still had some pointers that Antonio would follow. And besides, Alfred seemed a nice and friendly guy. If it all turned out Antonio may have found himself his first friend in Archadia. This thought only gained certainty based on what Alfred said next.

Eight times out of ten, if the ratio was even that, you could get along well enough with strangers at the place of your meeting, but you would probably not continue this acquaintance unless you happened to meet again elsewhere and could add to the friendship. When there was the promise of continued company just after your first meeting, however, that was a rare and opportune moment. It meant that the other had yet to tire of you and in fact wished to continue your time together, taking your company outside and into different situations. Yeah, Antonio was sure he and Alfred would be friends.

“That would be great!” Antonio smiled, broad and visibly excited. “Never pass up good food and good company,” he laughed.

Words: 544

Tags:

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 660

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes:

At Antonio's agreement, Alfred brightened. He was glad. He hadn't had much of a plan for what he was going to do today...and now he was glad. Antonio was fun to be around with, someone that didn't really know all that much about Alfred and didn't really care. Someone he could be (decently) honest with.

Antonio seemed excited as well and Alfred grinned. "Great!" Alfred said. "I'll pay the check and let's get out of here!" Alfred flagged down a waitress and a few short minutes later, she returned with the check. Before Antonio was able to protest, Alfred paid for their meals and lifted his jacket from his chair. He stretched a little, yet there was an undeniable excitement in him. Alfred was only just realizing that, in an attempt to make up for his past misgivings, he'd completely forgotten to enjoy the here and now. Antonio had reminded Alfred a lot of trying to treasure what was happening now. A day around town wasn't too outrageous of a desire. Alfred had hardly gotten to enjoy himself. And now, he would have the pleasure of company as endearing and fun to be around with as Antonio.

"Alright, let's go!" Alfred said cheerfully. "This pastry shop has got basically everything you could want. It's all freshly made every day and it's absolutely wonderful. Pancakes, prague cake, gingerbread..." He chuckled. "You could fill an empty stomach just by sniffing it."

Alfred wondered if Antonio was like him, willing to try just about anything. Probably. He got that sort of vibe from the man.

Alfred picked up the receipt and tucked it into his wallet before he started heading out the restaurant with Antonio behind him. He figured that since Antonio was new to the neighborhood, he might as well point out a few good places to eat. Food, after all, was one of the key components to whether or not a person liked a city enough to stay.

"Over there's a really good Russian restaurant," Alfred said, pointing across the street. "It's more of a local place to be honest and some of the people higher up in class think it's sketchy, but it's got great food for great prices. I feel like if you want to really experience the local culture, you'd have to at least sit in on a couple of local places, don't you think?" He laughed. "I mean, the fancy stuff is nice, but sometimes it's just a little too much for me, personally. Not that I wouldn't say no to a good meal from somewhere high class."

Alfred did this with the other places he knew. A few places to buy clothes. A few places to hang out. A few nice cafés. Alfred introduced Antonio to the big ones, the popular ones, but from time to time, he snuck in one that Alfred actually visited. A few local places that maybe someday, Antonio might be interested in taking a peek at. The food was good, but more importantly, the people were honest. They didn't question you too much and they were leading simple lives, with their own interesting twists. Alfred figured that Antonio could probably appreciate that.

"We're here!" Alfred said as he pushed open a large glass door. "Welcome to my favorite pastry shop in Russia." Alfred beamed as he waved his hand over the entire shop.

There were several people there, looking at desserts in the glass cases and picking ones out. The entire place had a warm, homey feeling to it which Alfred had always appreciated. He remembered that a lot of the kids on the street had always talked about this place, about how much they wanted to someday go in with a little money in their hands and buy a pancake. He wondered how they were. He should go see them sometime, but would they recognize him?

"What do you want?" Alfred asked, turning to Antonio. "Pick and choose!"

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

A small jump of Antonio’s shoulders in a happy laugh. So Alfred was excited as well. This promised to be a fun, as well as enlightening, little trip. He was sure of it. What lucky star had he woken up under that morning to have landed himself in this sort of situation?

“I’ll pay the check!” Wait, what? Eyes blinked and bows pushed together in confusion at the statement. He meant his right? Alfred couldn’t possibly be saying he’d pay for Antonio’s – even business clients didn’t like to pay for meals on all important first meetings! In fact, being the sales representative it was usually Antonio that did the paying, part of his job as well as a matter of being polite. So this was honestly… rather out of the ordinary. If he could he would have protest immediately and paid for himself, but Alfred wouldn’t allow it. Getting the waitress before Antonio could pull out his wallet from his large coat and push it onto the little check plate.

“Thank you,” he said, nodding shortly in thanks once he’d followed Alfred out. It had taken him all of an hour, at most, to forget that it was in fact this cold outside. Already he was becoming rather used to being able to see his breath a majority of the time. But a shop that was supposedly so good just the smell could fill you up? That was worth a walk in the good, of course! Antonio returned to grinning at that and followed along beside his tour guide Alfred. For saying he didn’t go out much or know a whole lot in the area, he sure appeared to know a fair amount.

Memory wasn’t something expected of Antonio on most occasions, even on a good day. But he kept note of every little shop and store that Alfred pointed out to him. Already he seemed to have a fair enough length of places to try out for food, between restaurants and cafes. As he often did he would work his way through the list and give them all a try before passing his judgment. Not to say he was especially critical, but there were always the places you could easily see yourself returning to often based on the menu and the atmosphere, as opposed to the ones you enjoyed but wouldn’t feel especially let down if you didn’t eat there again. And in a city like Archadia, it wasn’t as if there was any shortage of options to choose from. Just in his short time there and his tour with Alfred Antonio could tell there were a lot of places one could find to spend their time, and their money, in.

When Alfred turned to Antonio again after they’d entered the shop Antonio was already eyeing the line of tasty looking confections lined up in the counter. Upon hearing his companion though, Antonio turned and pointed a finger at Alfred. “This I’m paying for though, ours both,” he insisted, voice and face about as firm as he could manage. Which was not much, apparently, by his only being able to hold it for a moment before he snorted through his nose and returned to his reviewing of the options.

The vatrushka looked good-was that farmer’s cheese? And one with cream cheese too? “I might end up with an even bigger sweet tooth here, wow. But I’m not sure I’d mind that much, ha.”

Words: 592

Tags:

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 569

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes: Ahh, it's short, and terrible, I'm sorry. ;;

It was really rather amusing, Antonio's sudden attempt at being serious. He pointed at Alfred, who glanced dubiously at his finger, which looked rather funny and a little out of place. "This," Antonio insisted, "I'm paying for though, ours both."

Alfred let out a small laugh. Antonio was trying to look stern, but it was failing terribly. He wondered how the man acted when he was making a sale. His charm must completely win his clients over, because his seriousness certainly wouldn't.

"If you insist," Alfred replied good-naturedly. Antonio was really too kind.

It was also then that Antonio's statements settled into Alfred's mind. Wait, did this mean he could not bulk buy and store up on his favorite treats? He would feel bad, making Antonio buy that much. Ah well. Alfred could manage. He reminded himself that they were here to just buy something good to eat before moving onto...well, Alfred wasn't really sure where the two of them were going to go next, but he was pretty certain that they would find something to do.

Antonio seemed entranced by the vatrushka while Alfred examined the pashka next to it. His stomach rumbled. Gosh, it was like he hadn't eaten.

"I might end up with an even bigger sweet tooth here, wow. But I'm not sure I'd mind that much, ha." Antonio laughed again and Alfred joined in. It was too hard not to. Antonio had one of those laughs that just made you want to smile with him.

"I have the biggest sweet tooth," Alfred smiled as he took a closer glance at the syrniki nearby. They looked mouthwateringly tasty in their simplicity. The honey one in particular looked good today.

"So, Antonio," Alfred said as he examined the pastries, "what do you normally eat in Spain? For desserts and just meals in general." He looked at the man curiously. "I've never really eaten Spanish food," Alfred confessed. "Only Mexican. To be honest," Alfred chuckled a little, hoping he wouldn't offend Antonio too much, "I used to think they were basically the same thing."

He held his hands up in mock surrender. "Hey, no one ever taught me! I got put in my place after I left the US!"

...Well, he sort of got put in his place when he insulted one of the Spanish homeless by mixing the two cuisines up. He was still a little confused as to what the difference was though, the guy had never really bothered explaining...

Alfred shot Antonio an apologetic grin as he looked at the desserts. He decided that he'd go with the blini. It was his all time favorite and his go-to Russian dessert. Today, the special blini was filled with berries and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Chocolate. Alfred's not-so-secret love. He licked his lips a little as he leaned forwards. It looked absolutely delicious.

"Hello, sirs, may I help you?" A friendly looking man looked at them. He must've been new since Alfred didn't recognize him at first sight.

"Hi," Alfred smiled. "I'll have the chocolate berry blini." He gestured at the dessert helpfully and the man took it out, putting it into a small paper bag before punching a few numbers into the register. "And my friend here will have..." Alfred turned to look at Antonio. "Have you decided what you want?" Alfred asked the Spaniard. "No need to rush, we've got plenty of time."

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia

[Antonio F. Carriedo]

As was to be expected, the moment it was said that Mexican and Spanish food were the same thing, even in past opinion, made Antonio straighten from his bent posture to look at all of the goodies. This was very obviously caught even before he had done so to be an offensive remark in some manner, as Alfred hurriedly followed it with an apology and admittance that his thoughts had been righted. That said, if he hadn’t had actual Spanish food than he couldn’t very well say he knew they were different. And that, my friend, simply cannot be stood for!

Antonio had no issue with Mexican food, mind you. It just like any other cuisine had its pros and cons. Just as much as Spanish food did. And while they could perhaps be described as similar in some aspects that did not give anyone permission to believe they knew the extent of Spanish food simply because they had eaten Mexican. It couldn’t be allowed at all! Even Antonio had to sigh and shake his head.

“Spanish food the same as anything else except for perfection. Every Spanish mother weeps at this moment,” he said gravely. “We love our seafood, and our olive oil. Some nice paella served with bread dipped in olive oil… End it with bunuelos, and you’ve had a wonderful meal.” It had been some time since he had come across a Spanish restaurant. An overall Mediterranean foodery, yes, but not specifically Spanish. And a bit since he’d had a kitchen to be able to cook as he wanted. Already he was craving some of the dishes from home just talking about them… It was a bit late for it, but man some turron would be nice.

He laid a hand on Alfred’s shoulder. “My friend, if I can’t find you a good Spanish restaurant in the area we can go to, I will just have to cook you a proper Spanish meal. I would be a shame to my people if I did anything less.” His own mother could very well never forgive him if she heard wind of this and his doing anything other than that.

From there they went on to decide their orders, Alfred apparently having made his decision first and giving it to the man behind the counter. Since he would be in town for some time Antonio supposed he could always try everything else later, no point in going too over board at this time. First choice, yeah, he could definitely live with that. Wearing a smile he was then at the register as well. “And I would like a vatrushka, please. One of the one’s with farmer’s cheese.” Once both of theirs were wrapped and handed over Antonio gladly paid and thanked the man for his help, smiling to the end. Even right down to his immediately taking a bite of his pastry and gasping shortly, eyes widening a tad. “Make that one hundred percent sure I’m coming here again!”

Words: 510

Tags:

made by MISSO for use only by BECCA

[Alfred F. Jones]

it's a

revolution

Word count: 513

Tags: Antonio F. Carriedo

Notes:

He got chastised pretty badly for the Spanish equals Mexican comment, didn't he? Antonio went on a small rant, which Alfred supposed he deserved.

Antonio even went to the point of emphasizing that if they couldn't find a good Spanish restaurant to head to, he'd cook Alfred a meal himself. Alfred was a little taken aback at this statement. Even though he'd been rather friendly with Antonio (to the point of paying for his meal), he had hardly expected Antonio to offer to cook him something. Antonio really was too kind, maybe even too trusting. Alfred would never have pinned him as a salesman. Not to mention, the way he'd referred to Alfred as a friend. It'd been years since Alfred had made a friend that quickly and he'd grown used to suspicion and paranoia. Antonio was like a fresh breeze, easygoing and ready to befriend anyone that he might meet. Alfred was far from that nowadays, even if he pretended to act like it. Antonio was almost certainly older than Alfred, but it was almost like their positions were reversed.

...Of course, there was always the chance that Antonio was saying that just to say it, but Antonio didn't seem like that type of man. No, that sounded a lot more like Alfred, trying to get on people's good sides and then leaving once his objective was accomplished.

When Antonio took his first bite of the vatrushka, his eyes lit up. No, actually his entire face lit up. It was almost like watching a child eat candy for the first time. Still, Alfred figured he was hardly one to judge. If people saw him when he was chomping down on something good...he probably had a similar expression on his face.

"Make that one hundred percent sure I'm coming here again!" Antonio said excitedly.

Alfred grinned. "This place will be the death of me, but I'll enjoy it to the very end." He bit into his chocolate berry blini as well. The warmth of the blini washed over his tongue, mixing with the soft delicateness of the chocolate and the slight sour taste of the berries. Mmm, they mixed together just perfectly. Alfred licked his lips, temporarily lost in bliss.

Before Alfred knew it, his blini was completely gone. The lasting taste of the warm chocolate remained on his tongue and Alfred dropped the paper bag into a nearby trashcan with mild disappointment.

"Gosh," Alfred said, patting his stomach, "that was good. No, great."

Now where should they go? Alfred would usually have headed back home after dessert. There wasn't that much for him to do in town and usually spending too much time around meant risking being recognized. With Antonio though, Alfred felt completely relaxed. He'd be glad to spend a little longer. What could happen?

...Don't answer that.

"So," Alfred said brightly, turning towards Antonio. "Any clue as to where we should head off next? We could sort of wander around and just poke our heads in to random shops. Unless there's somewhere in particular that you'd really like to visit?"

i suppose

by Worldie for Leia